Dominican Today lands nod for 2026 Pasaporte Abierto int’l award for Anita González Sigler’s article

Santo Domingo.- Dominican Today online newspaper, which celebrated its 20th anniversary of uninterrupted publication in 2025, has once again secured a nomination for the prestigious Pasaporte Abierto (Open Passport) international tourism journalism award. This recognition is thanks to the article penned by contributor Anita González Sigler.

The article reframes mental health as the hidden strategic pillar for Dominican tourism, far exceeding the traditional “sun and sand” model. It highlights the critical need for hosts who are perceived as empathetic and secure to sustain visitor trust. While neuropsychologist Norma Duarte points to an “exponential” deterioration exacerbated by the pandemic and systemic issues in accessing care, the focus remains on the immense potential for growth.

Ultimately, the piece argues that integrating mental health into public policy is a strategic investment in national reputation and security. Leaders like Dr. César E. Castellanos and Dr. Alejandro Cambiaso support this view, affirming that the country’s competitiveness rests on projecting a healthy society. By actively strengthening laws (like Law 12-06) and prioritizing human capital, the Dominican Republic can guarantee an unparalleled ecosystem of warmth and ensure exceptional, future-proof tourism.

Strong showing of Dominican professionals

The Dominican Republic secured a strong showing among the nominees, reinforcing its status as a Caribbean tourism leader. The country earned multiple nominations across various publication categories, highlighting the contributions of experts such as Augusto Valdivia, Elena Crespo, Juan de Dios Valentín, Massiel de Jesús Acosta, and Adrian Rafael Morales.

The Dominican presence extended further with the nomination of Eldinero.com.do in the specialized media category, and José Mercado Hernández in Photography with Purpose.

Furthermore, the nation’s professional commitment was recognized through nominations in the Committed Tourism Entrepreneurs area for Giordano De Peña Crespo, and the Lifetime Achievement category for Daniel Mercado Burgos, demonstrating the wide engagement of the nation’s professionals in the regional sector.

The announcement of the nominees for the eleventh edition of the international Pasaporte Abierto Awards —set to take place in Panama on January 30, 2026— was made by Miguel Ledhesma, Founding President of the World Tourism Journalism Organization, during the World Quinceañera Day Declaration held on December 7 in Tepeapulco, Hidalgo, Mexico.

The nominees are as follows:

Publications:

To learn more details about Pasaporte Abierto 2026, visit the page periodismoturistico.org.